Convertible Trekking Paddle

ABSTRACT

A trekking pole is convertible into a two handed double bladed kayaking paddle and into a single bladed paddle. In another embodiment, two trekking poles are convertible into a single double bladed kayaking paddle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention is in the field of paddles convertible to other diverseuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Kayak paddles are well known as comprising a pole supporting on each enda paddle. The paddles may be aligned with each other or rotated to be ata relative non parallel angle, for example perpendicular angles.However, a paddle is a single use device, for example, in the sport ofkayaking it is not adaptable for other activities. Currently, mostexisting paddles fall into one of two categories, either they aredurable but are quite heavy and bulky, or they are lightweight butcompromise ease of use, durability, and function. The paddle, when notin use, must be carried and the trekking pole, when not in use, must bestored.

Over recent years there has also been a dramatic increase in peoplecarrying collapsible kayaks or lightweight rafts in their backpacks(called pack rafting). These users are very weight conscience, sincethey frequently travel many miles with all their equipment on theirbacks.

Many of them are carrying both a paddle and a trekking pole.

Trekking poles are widely known and used by the outdoor community asuseful walking tool to reduce fatigue and increase stability of theuser.

While the advantage of using a trekking pole is widely recognized, apack rafter, considering the amount of weight and the distance the packrafter may be required to haul that weight, choices will be forced onthe pack rafter, and a comprise will be made between one or morenecessary hiking tools. As a result, the pack rafter may necessarily beprevented from taking a trekking pole and could experience fatigue or beforced into trekking distances made shorter by the lack of a trekkingpole.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Trekking Paddle is primarily used for activities where a user willhike for a certain distance and then inflate or assemble a watercraftthat requires a paddle for propulsion. The Trekking Paddle saves weightand space by combing two frequently used devices for such activities: atrekking pole and a paddle. This product appeals especially to thegrowing number of pack rafters, backcountry kayakers, and portagingcanoeists who go on treks where travel alternates between land andwater.

The invention, as shown and described according to a disclosed preferredembodiment, offers the pack rafter the advantage of kayak paddle whichis convertible into a trekking pole. When converted, the paddle and itsweight virtually disappear, becoming a trekking pole, useful in makingthe journey more comfortable and less fatiguing.

When the pack rafter is ready to reenter the watercraft, the trekkingpole converts to a paddle, and the trekking pole virtually disappears,and at the same time, leaving storage space in the kayak, where thetrekking pole would have otherwise been placed.

As disclosed in a preferred embodiment, the trekking pole sections maybe rearranged, removing certain parts useful only in a trekking pole andadding paddle blades. By converting the paddle into a trekking pole andthe trekking pole back to a paddle, the necessity for carrying twoseparate devices, each useful for a respective and disparate purpose, iseliminated.

As shown in a preferred embodiment, according to the disclosed inventiveprinciples, a kayak paddle is made of 3 pole sections and 2 paddleblades. In the paddle mode, a middle pole No. 2, is axially interlockedand axially coupled to two outer poles Nos. 1 and 3, respectively. Thetwo outer poles Nos. 1 and 3 each have a hand grip, respectively, aswould be known to those skilled in the art. The outer ends of pole Nos.1 and 3, are each interlocked and axially coupled to a paddle,completing the paddle assembly,

In converting the kayak paddle to a single paddle, pole No. 1 isdetached and a handle is interlocked and axially coupled to its openend, opposite the paddle.

In converting the kayak paddle or the single paddle, to a trekking pole,pole No. 3 is removed and a cap is axially joined to the end closest tothe grip. Pole No. 1 is interlocked and axially coupled to the open endof pole No. 3, with the grip on pole No. 1 arranged closer to pole No.3. Pole No. 2 is interlocked and axially coupled to the open end of poleNo. 1 and a tip is inserted into the open end of pole No. 2 to completethe trekking pole. Tip 26 is interlocked and axially coupled to pole No.2.

In a preferred embodiment, the poles may be interlocked and axiallycoupled by threaded joints, twist locks, or by spring locks, forexample, spring loaded studs on one pole, interlocking with matchingholes on a coupling joint, used on an adjoining pole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the convertible paddle arranged as a two bladed kayakpaddle.

FIG. 2 shows the convertible paddle arranged as a single bladed paddle.

FIG. 3 shows the two bladed paddle arranged as a trekking pole.

FIG. 4 shows in an exploded view the assembly of the separate parts,pole Nos. 1, 2, and 3, into a kayak paddle.

FIG. 5 shows in an exploded view, how the separate parts, pole Nos. 2and 3, are assembled into a single blade paddle.

FIG. 6 shows in an exploded view, how the separate parts, pole Nos. 1,2, and 3, are assembled into a trekking pole.

FIGS. 7 a and 7 b are interlocks in partial views, showing the couplingof a paddle 12 to the end of one of the outer poles 22.

FIGS. 8 a and 8 b are interlocks in partial views, showing interlockingspring loaded locks disassembled and assembled with a dampening washercompressed between two axially coupled pole sections. FIGS. 8 a and 8 bshow the coupling of the outer pole 22 to the middle pole 24.

FIGS. 9 a and 9 b are interlocks in partial views, showing the couplingof a paddle 14 to the end of one of the outer poles 20.

FIGS. 10 a and 10 b are interlocks in partial views, showing theinterlocking spring loaded locks disassembled and assembled with adampening washer compressed between two coupled pole sections. FIGS. 10a and 10 b show the coupling of the outer pole 20 to the middle pole 24.

FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, in partial views, show the interlocking springloaded locks axially coupling the handle 25 to pole No. 3, through handgrip 18 b, when the convertible paddle is used as a single blade paddleas shown in FIGS. 2 and 5 or as a trekking pole, as shown in FIGS. 3 and6.

FIGS. 12 a and 12 b show in partial views, showing the interlockingspring loaded locks axially coupling the tip 26 to the middle pole No.2.

FIGS. 13 a and 13 b show a single two handled paddle convertible fromthe two trekking poles shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, with a single shaftand two end shafts, each end shaft coupled to a paddle blade. FIG. 13 ashows the two handled paddle blade of FIG. 13 b in a exploded view.

FIGS. 14 a and 14 b show two trekking poles convertible to make the twohandled paddle of FIGS. 13 a and 14 a. FIG. 14 a shows the trekkingpoles of FIG. 14 b, in an exploded view.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As shown and disclosed in a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 1 and 4, theconvertible paddle is shown in FIG. 1 generally by numeral 10, ascomprising paddle blades 12 and 14 axially joined to pole No. 1, numeral22, and pole No. 3, numeral 20, respectively. A pole No. 2, numeral 24,is axially disposed between pole No. 1, numeral 22 and pole No. 3,numeral 20, forming the completed kayak paddle. Pole No. 1, numeral 22and pole number 3, numeral 20, each have grips shown by numerals 18 aand 18 b, respectively.

The assembly of the two bladed kayak paddle is shown in exploded view inFIG. 4, showing the parts schematically positioned for assembly asdescribed above.

According to the inventive principles, the kayak two bladed paddle,shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, may be disassembled and converted into a singleblade paddle or a trekking pole as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and 4 and 5,respectively.

In converting the kayak paddle into the single bladed paddle generallyshown by numeral 30, in FIGS. 2 and 5, pole No.1, numeral 22, is removedleaving pole No. 3, numeral 20, and pole No. 2, numeral 24, axiallycoupled at interlock locking joint 45. The handle 25 is axially coupledto pole 24, as shown in FIG. 5, joined at end 26, completing theassembly of the single blade paddle.

To convert the two bladed kayak paddle shown by numeral 10 in FIGS. 1and 4, into the trekking pole, generally shown by numeral 40 in FIGS. 3and 6, pole No. 2, numeral 24, is disassembled and a tip 26, is axiallyjoined at an end, shown by numeral 31, in FIG. 12 a. Pole No. 1, numeral22 is disassembled and interlocked and axially coupled with pole No. 2,numeral 24, with the grip 18 a, of pole No. 1, disposed at the greaterdistance from pole No. 2, numeral 24, and positioned relatively closerto pole No. 3, numeral 20, as explained in the following.

Pole No. 3, numeral 20, is interlocked and axially coupled with pole No.1, with grip 18 b, arranged at the relatively greater distance from poleNo. 1, numeral 22, and closest to cap 25, joined axially at end 32 ofpole No. 3, numeral 20, as shown in FIG. 6.

As shown for a preferred embodiment, the grips 18 a and 18 b, are offcentered on the respective poles Nos. 1 and 3, numerals 22 and 20,respectively. As shown, the grips 18 a and 18 b, are positioned closerto one end of the respective pole No 1, numeral 22 and pole No. 3,numeral 20, than to the opposed end of the respective poles Nos. 1 and3.

As shown, the trekking pole, shown generally by numeral 40 in FIGS. 3and 6, is assembled with poles Nos. 1 and 3 arranged with grips 18 a and18 b, at the relatively greater distance from tip 26. By distance ismeant the distance along the axial length of the trekking pole showngenerally by numeral 40, measured from the middle of grip 18 a to tip 26and to the middle of grip 18 b. As shown in a preferred embodiment, thegrips 18 a and 18 b, are arranged spaced from the handle 25 and fromeach other to accommodate the two hands of the user, as may be useful ornecessary.

As would be known to those skilled in the art, the poles may be madefrom aluminum, fiberglass, or carbon fiber tubing. Poles are aligned andmay be joined with ferruled ends or by concentric telescoping poles, orby threaded joints, twist locks, or by spring locking joints and may beround, oblong, or in a variety of cross sectional shapes.

As shown for a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, 9b, 10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, and 12 b, the interlock axial couplingof the poles 20, 22, and 24 to each other, to the paddle blades 12 and14, to handle 25 and to trekking tip 26, is shown in greater detail.

Interlock locking joint 45, dampening washers 42, drip rings 50, andother details, shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, are shown andexplained in detail as disclosed in FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, 9 b,10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b.

As shown in FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b, drip rings 50, may be used as wouldbe known to those skilled in the art, to reroute drips of water fromrunning down the shaft of the poles back into the water while paddling.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the same numeralsare used to identify the same or similarly operating parts.

Interlocks for axially coupling pole 22 to pole 24 and for axiallycoupling pole 24 to pole 20 and for axially coupling the paddle blades12 and 14 to pole 22 and pole 20 when the convertible paddle trekkingpole is used as a paddle, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, and for axiallycoupling pole 24 to pole 22 and for axially coupling pole 22 to pole 20and for axially coupling the tip 26 to pole 24 and the handle 25 to pole20, when the convertible paddle trekking pole is used as a trekking poleas shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, respectively are shown in a preferredembodiment in FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, 9 b, 10 a, 10 b, 11 a, 11b, 12 a, 12 b.

The interlock coupling and locking configuration of FIG. 1 and FIG. 4,is shown in FIG. 7 a and FIG. 7 b, and 9 a and 9 b. FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 9 a,9 b, are used to represent the coupling of the paddle blades 12 and 14to their respective poles, paddle blade 14 to pole 20 and paddle blade12 to pole 22, it being understood the spring locks shown for paddle 12and pole 22 is the same as for paddle 14 and pole 20.

As shown for a preferred embodiment receiving hole 46 b in paddle 12interlock locking joint 45 fits axially over, and mates with interlockspring loaded lock 48 b in pole 22. Interlock spring loaded lock 48 a isarranged to extend axially from the longitudinal axis 53 of poles 20,22, 24.

Numeral 46 a, as shown in interlock FIG. 7 a, for pole 22, is areceiving hole which is not used in connection with paddle 12. In asimilar manner as would be understood by those skilled in the art, andas shown in FIG. 9 a and 9 b, paddle blade 14 and interlock paddlelocking joint 45 would fit over and be joined to pole 20 using aninterlock spring loaded lock 48 b.

In a preferred embodiment, pole No. 2, numeral 24, is shown as havingtwo different interlocks for axial coupling. Interlock 54 on one end ofpole No. 2, numeral 24, is as shown in FIG. 4 and in FIG. 8 a, 8 b.

As shown in a preferred embodiment interlock 52 b at the opposed end ofpole No. 2, numeral 24, is as shown in FIG. 12 a, 12 b, comprisinginterlock receiver holes 46 a and 46 c. The interlock receiving holes 46a and 46 c, are offset circumferentially, to allow the paddles 12 sand14 to be parallel or at offset angles, relative to each other, as wouldbe understood by one skilled in the art.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, this arrangement forexample, of a male interlock 54 b on one end of pole No. 2, numeral 24,with a spring loaded lock 48 a, as shown in FIG. 8 a, 8 b, and a femaleinterlock with an interlock receiving hole 46 a and 46 c, as shown in 12a, 12 b, on the opposite end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, is in apreferred embodiment according to the disclosed inventive principles,for conversion of the two handed paddle into the one handed paddle ortrekking pole or in the reverse. As would be understood by those skilledin the art, and as explained below, for example, the female interlock 52b on the end of pole No. 2, numeral 24, as shown in FIG. 4, is arrangedfor axial coupling with male interlock 52 a on pole No. 1, numeral 22,wherein is shown is shown spring loaded lock 48 a, is inserted intomatching interlock receiving hole 46 c on pole No. 2, numeral 24.

As shown in a preferred embodiment according to the disclosed inventiveprinciples, for example, pole No. 1 numeral 22, is shown with a maleinterlock 52 a and a female interlock 58 a on its opposite end and poleNo. 3, numeral 22, is shown with a female interlock 54 a, and a maleinterlock 58 b on its opposite end.

As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the placement of themale and female interlocks may be changed without departing from thedisclosed inventive principles. As would be known to those skilled inthe art, other suitable interlocks may be used without departing fromthe disclosed inventive principles.

As disclosed in a preferred embodiment, pole No. 1, numeral 22 is shownwith a made interlock 52 a at a first end and a male interlock 58 a at asecond end. Pole No. 2, numeral 24 is shown in a preferred embodimentwith a female interlock 52 b at a first end and a male interlock 54 b ata second end. In a preferred embodiment, a third pole 20 is shown with afemale interlock 54 a at a first end and a male interlock 58 b at asecond end.

Interlock FIGS. 8 a and 8 b, show how the pole No. 1 numeral 20, andpole No. 2, numeral 24, may interlocked and axially coupled by interlockspring locking joints, shown for example by a interlock lock projectionand lock receiver, comprising an interlock spring loaded lock 48 a inpole No. 1, numeral 22, and interlock lock receiving hole 46 a ininterlock locking joint 45 in pole No. 1, numeral 22.

In the same manner, as shown in Interlock FIG. 10 a, 10 b, an interlockspring loaded lock, 48 a, in pole No. 1, numeral 22, the same asinterlock spring loaded lock 48 a on pole 24 used in connection withinterlock locking joint 45 on pole 22, may be used with pole No. 3,numeral 20 with interlock receiving hole 46 a on interlock locking joint45 of pole No. 3, numeral 20.

As shown for poles 22, 24, in interlock FIG. 7 a, 7 b, 8 a, 8 b, 9 a, 9b, 10 a, and 10 b, and in FIG. 11 a, 11 b, 12 a, 12 b, interlock springloaded locks 48 a, 48 b, 48 c, 48 d, are arranged to extend radiallyfrom longitudinal axis 53. The interlock spring loaded lock 48 a, arearranged to be positioned and mate with the interlock matching receivinghole 46 a, in interlock locking joint 45 mounted on respective pole 24and pole 20, as shown in interlock FIG. 8 a, 8 b, 10 a, 10 b. As wouldbe known to those skilled in the art, when the interlock spring lock 48a on an end of pole 24, is axially inserted into the interlock lockingjoint 45 on pole 20, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, and the interlockspring loaded lock 48 a is positioned opposite the matching interlockreceiving hole 46 a in poles 20, the interlock spring loaded lock 48 awill be pushed into the interlock matching receiving hole, 46 a, ininterlock locking joint 45, locking the two poles 22 and 24, as shown inFIG. 10 a, 10 b.

Referring to interlock FIGS. 7 a, 7 b, 9 a, and 9 b, paddle blade 12,and 14, respectively, are locked to pole No. 1, numeral 22, and pole No.3, numeral 20, respectively, and at ends opposed to the ends where poleNo. 1, Numeral 22 and pole No. 3, numeral 20, are locked to pole No. 2,numeral 24, respectively.

In the process of locking the poles, a compression ring or dampeningwasher, shown by numeral 42 in FIGS. 8 a and 10 a, is compressed, asshown in FIG. 8 b. The compression ring or dampening washers 42 may beused to dampen movement between pole sections when attached as in thetwo bladed Kayak paddle shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, the single handedpaddle, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, or the trekking pole, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 6.

The kayak paddle configuration user holds the kayak paddle, as shown inFIG. 1, FIG. 4, by the foam handles 18 a or 18 b. In the single paddleconstruction, the user holds the paddle by the top cap 25, and placesthe tip 26 on the ground.

While walking using the trekking pole configuration of FIG. 3, FIG. 6,user's hand is placed on foam hand grip 18 b, on pole 20 or on foam handgrip 18 a, on pole 22, as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5. A cap or handle 25is placed at the top of the trekking pole, to pole 20 and a tip 26, atthe bottom of trekking pole on pole 24.

In the trekking pole configuration, as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, theorder of the poles from the tip 26 at the bottom to the handle at thetop is pole 24, pole 22, pole 20.

In using the trekking pole, FIG. 3 and FIG. 6, the tip 26 is placed onthe ground in front of the user and provides stability as the user movespast it. This process is repeated over and over again with each step.When in the canoe paddle configuration, a user would place his/her handon the cap or handle 25, and the other hand around the foam grip 18 b.For use in a kayak, for example, the paddle blade is placed in the waterand drawn back, achieving forward propulsion. The angle of the paddleblades 12 and 14 may be adjusted relative to each other, for adaption toeach kayaker's style of paddling.

As shown in interlock FIGS. 11 a and 11 b, the axial coupling of thehandle 25 into one end of pole 20 is shown for a preferred embodimentand according to the disclosed inventive principles.

As disclosed in FIG. 11 a, in a preferred embodiment, the pole No. 3,Numeral 20 is shown in an exploded view detached from the grip 18 b. Asdisclosed, the pole 20 is axially inserted or fitted into the grip 18 band for a preferred embodiment, the receiving hole 46 a in pole 20 isarranged to be located opposite matching hole in grip 18 b.

As shown in FIG. 11 b, interlock 60 b spring lock 48 c on handle 25 fitsaxially into pole No. 3, numeral 20 with interlock spring lock 48 cengaging the interlock 54 a receiving hole 46 a in pole 20 and matchinginterlock receiving hole 46 a in grip 18 b.

As disclosed for a preferred embodiment, in FIGS. 12 a and 12 b, aninterlock 60 a receiving hole 46 c is disposed on pole 24circumferentially displaced from receiving hole 46 a. Trekking tip 26 isaxially inserted into pole 24 at end 30. As shown for a preferredembodiment, interlock spring loaded lock 48 d on tip 26 engagesinterlock receiving holes 46 a or 46 c. In a preferred embodiment, theinterlock receiving holes 46 a and 46 b are displaced from each othercircumferentially by about 60 degrees.

Although the circumferentially displaced interlock receiving holes 46 aand 46 c are shown with reference to the assembled trekking pole in FIG.6, the use of receiving hole 46 a and 46 c is to angularly displacepaddle blade 12 from paddle blade 14.

As shown in a preferred embodiment in FIGS. 2 and 5, pole No. 2, numeral20 and pole No. 2, numeral 24, may be axially assembled into a singlehandled paddle. As shown, interlock 54 a at a first end of pole No. 3,numeral 20 is assembled with interlock 54 b at the second end of poleNo. 2, numeral 24. A paddle blade 14 is axially assembled by couplinglocking joint 45 on paddle blade 14 with interlock 58 b at the secondend of pole No. 3, numeral 20. A handle 25 may be axially assembled withinterlock 52 b at the first end of pole No. 2, numeral 24.

FIGS. 13 a, 13 b, 14 a and 14 b, show how two trekking poles, forexample as used by one person, one in each hand, may be converted to asingle double handled paddle.

As shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, the two trekking poles are generallyidentified by numerals 62 and 64, respectively. The trekking poles 62,64, include first poles 66 and 68. Each of the first poles 66, 68include a handle 72, 74.

Each of the first poles 66, 68 include an interlock 82, 84 at a firstend and an interlock 86, 88 on a second end. The interlocks 82, 84, onthe first end of first poles 66, 68, are the same as interlock 54 ashown on pole No. 3, numeral 20, in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6. The interlocks86, 88 shown on a second end of first poles 66, 68, in a preferredembodiment are the same as shown for pole No. 3, numeral 20, asinterlock 58 b at the second end of pole No. 3, numeral 20, in FIG. 4and FIG. 6.

Second poles 106, 108 are shown for poles 62 and 64, in FIG. 14 a, 14 a,14 b. The second poles 106, 108, are shown with interlocks 92, 96, as afirst end of pole 106, 108, respectively. These interlocks in apreferred embodiment are the same as shown for interlock 54 b for poleNo. 2, numeral 24, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.

A tip 26 is shown with interlocks 102, 104, inserted into second pole106 and 108 at interlocks 96, 98, respectively. Interlocks 102, 104 arethe same as interlock 60 a and interlocks 96, 98, are the same asinterlock 52 b, as shown in FIG. 6, in a preferred embodiment.

The double trekking poles 62, 64, shown in FIGS. 14 a and 14 b, paddleconvert into one double bladed kayak paddle shaft and paddle, as seen inFIGS. 13 a and 13 b.

The two handled paddle shown generally by numeral 110, uses as a centerpole, trekking second poles 106 or 108. Paddle blades 12 and 14 areconnected to the respective ends of trekking first poles 66, 68, atinterlocks 84, 86, respectively by paddle blade interlocks 56 a and 56b, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4.

The first poles 66 and 68 are shown connected at respective ends of thecenter pole 110, at interlocks 82, 84, for first poles 66 and 68,respectively and interlocks 94, 92, respectively, for the respectiveopposed ends of center pole 110.

As shown in a preferred embodiment, the two trekking poles may bedisassembled into a single two handled paddle and then reassembled intotwo trekking poles.

As shown in a preferred embodiment according to the disclosed inventiveprinciples, in FIGS. 1 and 4, a convertible paddle trekking pole, isshown as comprising a first pole 22, a second pole 24, and a third pole20. The first pole 22 and the second pole 24, are shown includinginterlocks at a first end of the first pole 22, interlock 52 a, and at afirst end of the second pole 24, interlock 52 b, axially coupling thefirst pole 22 to the second pole 24.

The second pole 24 and the third pole 20, is shown including interlocksat a first end of the third pole 20, interlock 54 a, and at a second endof the second pole 24, interlock 54 b, for axially coupling the secondpole 24 to the third pole 20.

The first paddle blade 12 is shown including an interlock and the firstpole 22 is shown including an interlock at a second end, for axiallyconnecting the first pole 22 to the first paddle blade 12.

The second paddle blade 14 is shown including an interlock and the thirdpole 20 is shown including an interlock at a second end, for axiallyconnecting the third pole 20 to the second paddle blade.

Wherein is shown, the axially connected first pole 22, to the secondpole 24, and to the third pole 20, and to the first paddle blade 12 andto the second paddle blade 14, is a two handed paddle.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, the trekking pole is disclosed with theinterlock 54 b, at the second end of the second pole 24 and theinterlock 58 a, at a second end of the first pole 22 is shown foraxially connecting the second pole 24 to the first pole 22.

The interlock 52 a at a first end of the first pole 22 and the interlock58 b, at the second end of the third pole 20 is shown for axiallyconnecting the first pole 22 to the third pole 20.

A tip 26 is shown including an interlock 60 a. The interlock at the tip26 and the interlock 52 b at the first end of the second pole 24 isshown for axially connecting the tip 26 to the second pole 24.

Wherein is shown, the axially connected tip to the second pole 24, thesecond pole 24 to the first pole 22, and the first pole 22 to the thirdpole 20, is a trekking pole.

The convertible shaft for a paddle and a trekking pole, is shown as afirst pole 22, a second pole 24, a third pole 20. The first pole 22 andthe second pole 24, is shown including interlocks at a first end of thefirst pole 22, 52 a and at a first end of the second pole 24, interlock52 b, axially coupling the first pole 22 to the second pole 24.

The second pole 24 and the third pole 20, is shown including interlocksat a first end of the third pole 20 and at a second end of the secondpole 24, for axially coupling the second pole 24 to the third pole 20.Wherein is shown the axially connected first end of the first pole tothe first end of the second pole, the second end of the second pole 24to the first end of the third pole, is a shaft for a two handled paddle.

For a convertible trekking pole shaft the interlock 54 b at the secondend of the second pole 24 and the interlock 58 a at a second end of thefirst pole is shown for axially connecting the second pole 24 to thefirst pole 22. The interlock at a first end of the first pole 22 and theinterlock at the second end of the third pole is shown for axiallyconnecting the first pole to the third pole. Wherein is shown, theaxially connected second end of the second pole 24 to the second end ofthe first pole 22, and said first end of the first pole 22 to the secondend of the third pole, is a shaft for a trekking pole.

For a single handle paddle shaft, the interlock 54 a at the first end ofthe third pole 20 and the interlock 54 b at the second end of the secondpole 24, is shown for axially connecting the first end of the third pole20 to the second end of the second pole 24. and wherein is shown thefirst end of the third pole axially connected to the second end of thesecond pole, is a shaft for a single handled paddle.

Paddle blade 14 is shown including an interlock. The third pole 20 isshown including an interlock 58 b at a second end of the third pole 20for axially connecting the third pole 20 to the paddle blade 14. andwherein is shown is shown the axially connected paddle blade 14, to thesecond end of the third pole 20 and the first end of the third poleaxially connected to the second end of the second pole 24, is a singlehandled paddle.

A first paddle blade 12 is shown including an interlock 56 a. A secondpaddle blade 14 is shown including an interlock 56 b. The interlock 58 aat the second end of the first pole 22 is shown for axially connectingthe first pole 22 to the first paddle blade 12 interlock 56 a and theinterlock 58 b at the second end of the third pole 20 is shown foraxially connecting the third pole 20 to the second paddle blade 14interlock 56 b. Wherein is shown the axially connected first paddleblade 12 to the second end of the first pole 22 and the axiallyconnected first end of the first pole to the first end of the secondpole, the second end of the second pole 24 to the first end of the thirdpole and the second paddle blade 14 axially connected to the third pole20, is a two handled paddle.

A tip 26 is shown including an interlock for axially connecting the tip26 to the first end of the second pole 24 and wherein is shown is shownthe axially connected tip 26 to the first end of the second pole 24 andthe second end of the second pole 24 connected to the second end of thefirst pole and the first end of the first pole 22 connected to thesecond end of the third pole 20, is a trekking pole.

As shown for the convertible paddle trekking pole, the first pole 22includes a first grip 18 a and the third pole 20 includes a second grip18 band wherein is shown the first grip 18 a is closer to the first endof the first pole than the second end of the first pole and the secondgrip 18 b is closer to the first end of the third pole 20 than thesecond end of the first pole.

As shown for the convertible paddle trekking pole, the second grip 18 bis opposed to the handle 25 and the first grip 18 a is displaced closerto the second grip 18 b than from the tip 26. As shown, the second grip18 b over laps the third pole interlock at the first end of the thirdpole.

A convertible paddle trekking pole, is shown with a first pole 22, asecond pole 24 and a third pole 20. A first interlock on the second pole24 is shown removeably axially coupling the second pole 24 to a firstinterlock on the first pole, a second interlock on second poleremoveably axially coupling the second pole to a first interlock on thethird pole 20, to form the shaft of a paddle.

A convertible paddle trekking pole, is shown with a second interlock 58a on the first pole 22 removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 toa second interlock 54 b on the second pole 24, a first interlock 52 a onthe first pole 22 removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to asecond interlock 58 b on the third pole 20, to form the shaft of atrekking pole.

The convertible paddle trekking pole is shown with a first paddle 12 anda second paddle 14. As disclosed an interlock 56 a on the first paddle12, is shown for removeably axially coupling the first paddle 12 to asecond interlock 56 a on the first pole 22, and an interlock 56 b on thesecond paddle 14, removeably axially connecting the second paddle 14 toa second interlock 58 b the first pole 22. Wherein is shown theremoveably axially connected first interlock 52 b on the second pole 24removeably axially coupling the second pole 24 to a first interlock 52 aon the first pole 22, the second interlock 54 b on second pole 24removeably axially coupling the second pole 24 to the first interlock 54a on the third pole 20, and the first paddle 12 removeably axiallyconnected to the second interlock 58 a on the first pole 22 and thesecond paddle 14 removeably axially connect to the second interlock 58 bon the third pole 20, to form a two handled paddle.

The convertible paddle trekking pole is shown is shown including a firstinterlock on the third poles removeably axially connected to the secondinterlock on the second pole, to form the shaft of a single handledpaddle and a paddle 14 is shown including an interlock for removeablyconnecting the paddle 14 to the second end of the third pole 22 to forma single handled paddle.

The convertible paddle trekking pole is shown including a tip 26. Thetip 26 is shown including an interlock 60 a for removable axiallyconnecting the tip 26 to the first interlock 52 b on the second pole 24.Wherein is shown the second interlock 58 a on the first pole 22removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to a second interlock 54 bon the second pole 24, the first interlock 52 a on the first pole 22removeably axially coupling the first pole 22 to a second interlock 58 bon the third pole 20, and the tip 26 removeably axially connected to thefirst interlock 52 b on the second pole 24, to form a trekking pole.

What is disclosed in a preferred embodiment are trekking polesconvertible into a two handled paddle. A first trekking pole 62 and asecond trekking pole 64 is disclosed. The first trekking pole 62includes a first pole 66 and a second pole 106. The second trekking pole68 includes a first pole 68 and a second pole 108.

The first trekking pole first pole 66 including interlocks 86, 82, on afirst and second end of said first pole 66 respectively. The secondtrekking pole first pole 68 including interlocks 88, 84, on a first andsecond end of said first pole 68, respectively.

The first trekking pole second pole 68 including interlocks 92, 96, on afirst and second end of said second pole 106, respectively;

The second trekking pole second pole 108, including interlocks 94, 98,on a first and second end of the second pole 108, respectively. Thefirst interlock 86 on said first trekking pole first pole 66 and a firstinterlock 92 on the first trekking pole second pole, axially couplingsaid first pole 66 to the second pole 106. A first interlock 88 on thesecond trekking pole first pole 68 and a first interlock 94 on thesecond trekking pole second pole 108, axially coupling said first pole68 to said second pole 108.

What is shown and described in trekking poles convertible into a twohandled paddle is a second interlock 82 on the first trekking pole firstpole 66 axially coupling the first pole 66 to said first interlock 92 onsaid first trekking pole second pole 106 and a second interlock 84 onsaid second trekking pole first pole 68 axially coupling said secondtrekking pole first pole 68 to a second interlock 96 on said firsttrekking pole second pole 106.

What is shown in trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddleare a first paddle blade 12 and a second paddle blade 14.

The first paddle blade is shown including a first paddle blade interlock56 a and the second paddle blade 14 is shown including a second paddleblade interlock 56 b.

The first paddle blade interlock 56 a and said first trekking pole firstpole second interlock 86 axially couples the first paddle blade 12 tothe first trekking pole first pole 66 second interlock 86 and the secondpaddle blade interlock 56 b axially couples the second paddle blade 14to the second trekking pole first pole 68 second interlock 88.

As would be known and understood by those skilled in the art, variationsin the arrangement of the interlocks on the ends of the poles and in thetype of interlocks, may be made without departing from the disclosedinventive principles

1. A convertible shaft for a paddle and a trekking pole, comprising, afirst pole, a second pole, a third pole; said first pole and said secondpole, including interlocks at a first end of said first pole and at afirst end of said second pole, axially coupling said first pole to saidsecond pole; said second pole and said third pole, including interlocksat a first end of said third pole and at a second end of said secondpole, for axially coupling said second pole to said third pole ; andwherein said axially connected first end of said first pole to saidfirst end of said second pole, said second end of said second pole tosaid first end of said third pole, is a shaft for a two handled paddle;and said interlock at said second end of said second pole and saidinterlock at a second end of said first pole for axially connecting saidsecond pole to said first pole; said interlock at a first end of saidfirst pole and said interlock at said second end of said third pole foraxially connecting said first pole to said third pole; wherein, saidaxially connected said second end of said second pole 24 to said secondend of said first pole, and said first end of said first pole to saidsecond end of said third pole, is a shaft for a trekking pole.
 2. Theconvertible shaft for a paddle and trekking pole, of claim 1, wherein,said interlock at said first end of said third pole and said interlockat said second end of said second pole, for axially connecting saidfirst end of said third pole to said second end of said second pole; andwherein said first end of said third pole axially connected to saidsecond end of said second pole, is a shaft for a single handled paddle.3. The convertible shaft for a paddle and trekking pole, of claim 2,including a paddle blade; said paddle blade including an interlock; saidthird pole including an interlock at said second end of said third polefor axially connecting said third pole to said paddle blade; and whereinsaid axially connected paddle blade, to said second end of said thirdpole and said first end of said third pole axially connected to saidsecond end of said second pole, is a single handled paddle.
 4. Theconvertible shaft for a paddle and trekking pole, of claim 1, includinga first paddle blade; said first paddle blade including an interlock; asecond paddle blade; said second paddle blade including an interlock;said interlock at said second end of said first pole for axiallyconnecting said first pole to said first paddle blade interlock; andsaid interlock at said second end of said third pole for axiallyconnecting said third pole to said second paddle blade interlock; andwherein said axially connected first paddle blade to said second end ofsaid first pole, said axially connected first end of said first pole tosaid first end of said second pole, said second end of said second poleaxially connected to said first end of said third pole and said secondpaddle blade axially connected to said third pole, is a two handledpaddle.
 5. The convertible shaft for a paddle or trekking pole of claim1, including, a tip; said tip including an interlock for axiallyconnecting said tip to said first end of said second pole and whereinsaid axially connected tip to said first end of said second pole andsaid second end of said second pole axially connected to said second endof said first pole and said first end of said first pole axiallyconnected to said second end of said third pole 20, is a trekking pole.6. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 1, wherein, said firstpole includes a first grip and said third pole includes a second grip;wherein, said first grip is closer to said first end of said first polethan said second end of said first pole; wherein said second grip iscloser to said first end of said third pole than said second end of saidfirst pole.
 7. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 6, whereinsaid second grip over laps said third pole interlock at said first endof said third pole.
 8. A convertible paddle trekking pole, comprising, afirst pole, a second pole and a third pole; a first interlock on saidsecond pole removeably axially coupling said second pole to a firstinterlock on said first pole, a second interlock on second poleremoveably axially coupling said second pole to to a first interlock onsaid third pole, to form the shaft of a paddle; and a second interlockon said first pole removeably axially coupling said first pole to asecond interlock on said second pole, a first interlock on said firstpole removeably axially coupling said first pole to a second interlockon said third pole, to form the shaft of a trekking pole.
 9. Theconvertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8, including, a first paddleand a second paddle; an interlock on said first paddle, removeablyaxially coupling said first paddle to a second interlock on said firstpole, and an interlock on said second paddle, removeably axiallycoupling said second paddle to a second interlock said first pole; andwherein said removeably axially coupled said first interlock on saidsecond pole removeably axially coupling said second pole to a firstinterlock on said first pole, said second interlock on second poleremoveably axially coupling said second pole to said first interlock onsaid third pole, and said first paddle removeably axially coupled tosaid second interlock on said first pole and said second paddleremoveably axially coupling said second interlock on said third pole, toform a two handled paddle.
 10. The convertible paddle trekking pole ofclaim 8, wherein said first interlock on said third pole is removablyaxially coupled to said second interlock on said second pole, to formthe shaft of a single handled paddle and a paddle; said first paddleincluding an interlock for removeably coupling said paddle to aninterlock at said second end of said third pole, to form a singlehandled paddle.
 11. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8,including a tip; said tip including an interlock for removably axiallycoupling said tip to said first interlock on said second pole; andwherein said second interlock on said first pole removeably axiallycoupling said first pole to said second interlock on said second pole,said first interlock on said first pole removeably axially coupling saidfirst pole to said second interlock on said third pole, to form saidtrekking pole.
 12. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 8,including a tip, said tip including an interlock and said tip isremovably axially coupled to said first interlock on said first end ofsaid second pole to form the tip of said shaft of said trekking pole.13. The convertible paddle trekking pole of claim 9, wherein said firstinterlock on said second pole includes at least two circumferentiallydisplaced interlocks for offsetting the angle between said first andsecond paddles or for arranging said paddles parallel to each other. 14.A trekking poles convertible into a two handled paddle, comprising, afirst trekking pole and a second trekking pole; said first trekkingpole, including a first pole and a second pole; said second trekkingpole including a first pole and a second pole; said first trekking polefirst pole including first and second interlocks on a first and secondend of said first pole, respectively; said second trekking pole firstpole including first and second interlocks on a first and second end ofsaid first pole, respectively; said first trekking pole second poleincluding first and second interlocks on a first and second end of saidfirst trekking pole second pole, respectively; said second trekking polesecond pole including interlocks on a first and second end of saidsecond pole, respectively; said first interlock on said first trekkingpole first pole and said first interlock on said first trekking polesecond pole, axially coupling said first trekking pole first pole tosaid first trekking pole second pole; said first interlock on saidsecond trekking pole first pole and said first interlock on said secondtrekking pole second pole, axially coupling said second trekking polefirst pole to said second trekking pole second pole.
 15. The trekkingpoles convertible into a two handled paddle of claim 14, wherein, saidsecond interlock on said first trekking pole first pole axially couplingsaid first trekking pole first pole to said first interlock on saidfirst trekking pole second pole and said second interlock on said secondtrekking pole first pole axially coupling said second trekking polefirst pole to said second interlock on said first trekking pole secondpole, to form a two handled paddle shaft.
 16. The Trekking polesconvertible into a two handled paddle of claim 15, including a firstpaddle blade and a second paddle blade; said first paddle bladeincluding a first paddle blade interlock and said second paddle bladeincluding a second paddle blade interlock; said first paddle bladeinterlock and said first trekking pole first pole first interlockaxially coupling said first paddle blade to said two handled paddle andsaid second paddle blade interlock and said first trekking pole firstpole second interlock axially coupling said second paddle blade to saidfirst trekking pole second interlock, to form a two handled paddle.